How to Build Benches With Composite Lumber

Composite lumber includes a variety of different lumber types, all of which use wood fibers and plastic adhesives in some form to make lumber. Oriented Strand Board, Medium-Density Fiberboard and Long Stand Lumber are just some of the types of composite lumber available. MDF is the most common composite lumber used to make furniture and can be turned into a sturdy, handsome bench without much hassle.

Things You'll Need

2 planks 1-inch-thick MDF, 10-by-17 inches

2 planks 1-inch-thick MDF, 10-by-35 inches

1 5/8 inch screws

Drill

1 plank 1-inch-thick MDF, 12-by-40 inches

Lay two planks of 10-by-17 inch MDF on a 17-inch edge, 35 inches apart on a work surface. These are the legs of the bench, which are currently resting on their sides.

Slot one plank of 10-by-35 inch MDF between one end of the legs, making right-angled corners with the legs. Slot a second piece 6 inches up from the other end of the legs.

Drill four countersunk pilot holes, evenly spaced, from the outside of the legs into the abutting ends of the 35-inch planks. Secure with 1 5/8-inch screws through each pilot hole.

Turn the bench so that it is upright (onto the 10-inch edge of the legs), with the 35-inch plank that is flush with the top of the legs at the top, and the other 35-inch plank, the bench's storage shelf, 6 inches off the ground.

Center a plank of 12-by-40 inch MDF over the top of the bench. There should be an inch over along the sides and 2 1/2 inches over at each end. Secure the bench top to the bench with 1 5/8 inch screws drill from the underside of the bench into the underside of the bench top every 5 or 6 inches around the perimeter of the top 35-inch plank.

Tips & Warnings

Purchase MDF in the desired color of the bench, which will save you having to paint it.

Use storage cubes or baskets on the storage shelf of the bench, or place shoes and other items directly on the bench shelf.